Iceland: Circumnavigating the Land of Fire and Ice
10 nights
Greg Mortimer
28 May '26Cruise overview
Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Iceland: Encircling the Land of Fire and Ice Discovery Voyage (formerly called Iceland Circumnavigation). On this adventure, where we plan to circumnavigate Iceland, a country often described as ‘the land of fire and ice,’ where snow-capped peaks rise above glaciers and active volcanoes rumble. We explore Westfjords, one of the remotest and most pristine regions in Iceland—ideal for nature hikes and sea kayaking. We amble along black sand volcanic beaches, cross over the Arctic Circle to Grimsey Island to stretch our legs on hikes and discover cliffs teeming with seabirds. Our team of experts will interpret this fascinating country— one of the world’s youngest. It’s a land of spectacular geology that is rich in wildlife, culture and human history. Note: In order to experience some of the incredible scenery of Iceland, a number of the shore excursions on this itinerary require coach travel away from the coast.
Itinerary
Reykjavík
Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality area where you can leave your luggage and enjoy refreshments if arriving prior to 4pm. Whilst here you can collect your luggage cabin tags speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense. Accommodation: The Grand Hotel Reykjavik (or similar)
Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation’s nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island’s population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík’s name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there’s no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city’s seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.
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Reykjavík
Grundarfjørdur
Westfjords
Westfjords
Akureyri
Grímsey Island
Seydisfjørdur
Djúpivogur
Westman Islands
Reykjavík
Aurora Stateroom Twin
The Greg Mortimer features eight Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that’s close to the action.
Amenities
- Double or Twin Configuration
- Toiletries Provided
- TV
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
- Free Wi-Fi
Ship features
Greg Mortimer combines pioneering expedition technology with the comfort of a modern boutique vessel.
- Ulstein X-Bow design for stability and sustainability
- 15 Zodiacs for immersive off-ship exploration
- Four dedicated boarding platforms for efficient embarkation
- Hydraulic observation platforms for close wildlife encounters
- Expert-led lectures and briefings from AE Expeditions specialists
- Spacious staterooms with ensuite facilities and flexible layouts
- Main dining venue serving global and regional cuisine
- Expedition-ready gear storage and mudroom
- Wellness area and comfortable social lounges
- Dedicated science and research spaces
